CSK see this LSG star as Ravindra Jadeja’s long-term heir

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have already started planning for the upcoming IPL 2027, and one domestic star has reportedly moved to the top of their wishlist. After another disappointing 2026 season and a few costly decisions that failed to deliver results, CSK is now looking for a reliable all-rounder who can strengthen the squad after parting ways with Ravindra Jadeja.

The five-time IPL champions have been going through a transition phase, and they failed to make it to the playoffs since winning the trophy in 2023. They finished 8th on the table in the recent season. Yet, CSK continue with Stephen Fleming despite disappointing IPL 2026 campaign.

CSK eyes Shahbaz Ahmed ahead of IPL 2027 auction

A CricBlogger report revealed that the Chennai Super Kings are eyeing Bengal’s Shahbaz Ahmed. The experienced all-rounder has built a strong reputation in domestic cricket and the IPL, where he was already part of the big teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The Bengal all-rounder is currently part of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise. However, CSK believes that Shahbaz could provide the balance and versatility. However, bringing Shahbaz to Chennai will not be easy because the Lucknow Super Giants’ setup is not keen to let him go.

The report suggested that the discussions are undergoing regarding the deal. CSK showed interest in Shahbaz Ahmed, but Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma failed to live up to the expectations, having invested heavily in young talents in the hope of building for the future.

LSG reluctant to part ways with Shahbaz Ahmed

As a result, Chennai Super Kings team management is now looking towards players with proven experience. Shahbaz fits that requirement perfectly. Apart from contributing with both bat and ball, he has also shown leadership qualities that caught everyone’s attention.

Shahbaz has recently led Shrachi Rarh Tigers to their first-ever Bengal T20 Championship title. The achievement was even more impressive because the team had struggled badly in previous seasons before turning things around under his captaincy.

Over the years, Shahbaz has developed into a dependable all-rounder who can contribute in multiple situations and provide stability to any side. Well, Lucknow Super Giants are standing firm, and no agreement has been reached between them and CSK for the Shahbaz Ahmed deal.

Shahbaz Ahmed’s IPL career

Meanwhile, Shahbaz Ahmed has become one of the most useful all-rounders in the IPL. The left-arm spinner plays an important role, whether it is taking a crucial wicket, scoring quick runs in the lower order, or saving runs in the field.

He was part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) from 2020 to 2023. During his time with RCB, the all-rounder produced several memorable performances, including a match-changing spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In 2024, he moved to SRH and played an important role in the team’s run to the IPL final, where they lost the trophy to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Later, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) signed Shahbaz in the 2025 mega auction and retained him for the following season. So far, he has played 63 IPL matches, where he has amassed 603 runs, taken 27 wickets, and grabbed 21 catches, proving his value as a dependable all-rounder.